Land Rover Discovery 4 Engine 5.0 Supercharged: Specs, Problems, Price and Replacement Options

You've found a Discovery 4 with the 5.0 supercharged V8, or you already own one. Either way, you want straight answers: what the engine can do, what tends to go wrong, and what it costs when something does.

This is the Discovery 4's most powerful engine, and it is a very different animal from the 3.0 diesel most people talk about. It's smooth, fast for a seven-seat 4x4, and thirsty. It also has a short list of known weak points that are cheap to deal with early and expensive to ignore.

At RR Engine Works in Grays, Essex, we work on these V8s regularly. This guide covers the specs, the faults we see, realistic costs and how to decide between repair, reconditioning and replacement.

What Are the Land Rover Discovery 4 Engine 5.0 Supercharged Specs and Performance Figures?

The land rover discovery 4 engine 5.0 supercharged is the AJ133, a 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 with a roots-type supercharger. Land Rover (via Jaguar's engine programme) introduced it to the Discovery 4 range around the 2010 facelift era, alongside the existing diesels.

Here are the land rover discovery 4 engine 5 0 supercharged specs you're most likely to need:

Please treat the power, torque and economy figures as approximate. They vary slightly by year and market, so always check your own vehicle's documentation.

On performance, the land rover discovery 4 5.0 v8 acceleration is where this engine justifies itself. Expect 0 to 60 mph in the mid-seven-second range for a vehicle weighing well over two tonnes. The diesel is quicker in the real world for towing economy, but the V8 delivers a smoothness and top-end pull that the discovery 4 5.0 drivers tend to love.

In short, the discovery 4 5.0 supercharged suits owners who value refinement and power over running costs.

Is There a 4.2 Supercharged Discovery 4, and Which V8 Engines Did Land Rover Actually Fit?

This question comes up constantly, so let's settle it. There was no 4.2 supercharged Discovery 4. The 4.2-litre supercharged V8 belongs to older Range Rover Sport and Jaguar models. Searches for a 4.2 supercharged discovery 4 usually come from buyers mixing up the Discovery 3 and 4 with those cars.

Here is what Land Rover actually fitted across the Discovery 3 and 4 years:

A land rover discovery 4 5.0 v8 is rarer than the diesel, which is one reason owners ask about parts and supply. We often see customers order parts or a replacement unit for the wrong engine because the listings blur these V8 generations together. Always match the engine code and VIN before you order anything.

What Are the Most Common Land Rover Discovery 4 5.0 Supercharged Engine Problems?

No engine is flawless, and the AJ133 has its quirks. The good news is that the faults are well understood. Most land rover discovery 4 engine 5 0 supercharged problems fall into a handful of categories.

Here is what we see most often in the workshop:

• Timing chain and tensioner wear. Rattling on start-up or fault codes can point to stretched chains or failing tensioners. The chains sit at the front and are a labour-heavy job.
• Supercharger noise and bearing wear. A whine, rattle or rumble from the top of the engine may mean worn supercharger bearings or coupling.
• Coolant leaks. Plastic housings and hoses age with heat, leading to weeps, pressure loss and overheating.
• Carbon build-up and injector faults. Direct injection means carbon can accumulate on intake valves, causing rough running and misfires.
• Oil consumption and cylinder head concerns. Higher-mileage engines can burn oil, and neglected cars sometimes show head-related issues.

To help you judge urgency, here is a symptom guide:

Compared with general land rover discovery engine problems, the V8's issues are more mechanical and age-related than emissions-related. That is a genuine plus for owners who dislike diesel particulate and EGR headaches.

A real-world example: one owner brought in a 2013 car with a "slight rattle" he'd heard for several months. The timing chain tensioner had begun to fail, and a chain jump was only a matter of time. Because he brought it in when he did, we repaired the timing components rather than rebuilding a damaged top end. A few weeks later and the bill would have looked very different.

If you notice any of the following, stop driving and get the car checked:

1. Overheating or a rising temperature gauge
2. Loud metallic rattling or knocking
3. A sudden loss of power with warning lights
4. White smoke or a strong coolant smell

How Reliable Is the Discovery 4 5.0 Supercharged Compared With the 3.0 Diesel?

Both engines can run for a long time when looked after. They fail in different ways, though.

So what is the best land rover discovery engine? It depends on how you drive. If you cover high miles or tow regularly, the diesel's economy is hard to beat, provided you keep on top of its oil and cooling. If you want a refined, fast and relatively simple engine and don't mind fuel costs, the V8 makes a strong case.

For a deeper look at the diesel side, see our guide to Land Rover Discovery 4 engine problems, which covers crankshaft failure, turbo wear and EGR faults in detail.

How Much Does a Discovery 4 5.0 Supercharged Engine Cost, and Should You Repair, Recondition or Replace It?

Let's talk numbers, because this is where decisions get made. The land rover discovery 4 engine 5 0 supercharged price depends on whether you're fixing one component or replacing the whole unit.

Here are indicative UK ranges:

These are guide figures only, not quotes. The final price depends on the car's condition, mileage and what we find on inspection.

When something goes wrong, you generally have three routes:

If the fault is isolated and the oil and coolant are in good condition, repair usually makes sense. If you're facing repeated failures, internal damage or a high-mileage engine with multiple issues, reconditioning or a quality replacement tends to be better value over time.

Many owners also ask about land rover discovery 4 engine 5 0 supercharged for sale listings. These can save money, but only if the engine is verified, tested and warrantied. A cheap unit with no history can cost you twice.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Replacement Discovery 4 5.0 Supercharged Engine?

Before you buy any landrover discovery 4 engines, run through this checklist:

• Engine code and VIN match. Confirm it is an AJ133 suitable for your exact year and specification.
• Verified mileage. Ask for evidence, not just a number.
• Bench-test results. A reputable supplier tests the unit before sale.
• Warranty terms. Read what's covered, for how long, and whether labour is included.
• Supplier track record. Look for reviews, a physical workshop and clear contact details.
• What's included. Check whether ancillaries, the supercharger and sensors come with the unit.

A short list like this protects you from the most common and costly mistakes. We've seen customers pay for a unit that didn't match their car's year or specification, and it can take weeks to put right.

Where Can You Find a Discovery 4 5.0 Supercharged Engine Manual and Fitting Guidance?

Owners often search for a land rover discovery 4 engine 5 0 supercharged manual. A workshop manual or parts diagram is useful for reference, for understanding torque figures and for planning a job.

That said, fitting and timing procedures on this engine need specialist tools and experience. A small error in chain timing or supercharger fitment can damage a rebuilt engine. For most owners, the safest route is a specialist supply-and-fit service.

Here is how it works with RR Engine Works:

1. Free quote. Send us your registration and a short description of the problem.
2. Inspection. We assess the engine and tell you plainly whether repair is realistic.
3. Options. You get a clear comparison of repair, reconditioning and replacement.
4. Fitting and testing. Work is done at our workshop and the car is road-tested.
5. Warranty and support. You're covered after fitting, with us on hand if questions arise.

Visit us: RR Engine Works, Unit 1 Hedley Ave, Grays RM20 4EL. Call us or use our quote form and we'll come back to you quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the Land Rover Discovery 4 5.0 supercharged use?
 It uses the AJ133, a 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 with a supercharger, producing roughly 375 PS and 510 Nm.

Is there a 4.2 supercharged Discovery 4?
 No. The 4.2 supercharged V8 was fitted to older Range Rover Sport and Jaguar models, not the Discovery 4.

How fast is the Discovery 4 5.0 V8?
 Roughly mid-seven seconds from 0 to 60 mph, which is quick for a large seven-seat 4x4.

What are the most common Discovery 4 5.0 supercharged problems?
 Timing chain and tensioner wear, supercharger noise, coolant leaks, carbon build-up and oil consumption on higher-mileage cars.

Is the 5.0 supercharged or the 3.0 diesel better?
 The V8 is smoother and avoids diesel emissions faults. The diesel is far cheaper to run. Your usage should decide.

How much does a replacement engine cost?
 Roughly £3,500 to £6,500 for a fitted used unit and £5,500 to £9,500+ for a reconditioned engine. Get a written quote for your exact car.

Can I fit the engine myself?
 It's not recommended. Timing and supercharger fitment need specialist tools, and mistakes can be costly.

Final word

The 5.0 supercharged is the Discovery 4 at its most refined, and with sensible maintenance it can be a genuinely rewarding engine to own. Learn the warning signs, act early on rattles and leaks, and choose any replacement carefully.

Get your free engine quote from RR Engine Works today. Send us your registration and we'll give you honest advice on the best route for your Discovery 4.